When most people hear the word “monk,” they envision a man with a shaved head who lives in a faraway temple and performs lengthy chants and sacrifices. This was partially realistic a long time ago, but it does not reflect current Buddhist monk life.
Buddha monks’ methods have evolved in tandem with the changing environment. They have, however, kept the practice’s aim.
Many people associate Buddhism with meditation, in addition to the picture of a monk mentioned previously. All creatures’ spiritual growth is at the heart of Buddhism. Spiritual growth entails a comprehensive understanding of oneself.
It is as old as the Buddhist tradition to become a monk. Those who left home and adopted the vows and robes of monks, a position important to most Buddhist streams, were among the Buddha’s early disciples. For example, in South and Southeast Asia, the lay people prepare for and bring food to the monks, provide them with clothes and amenities, and earn both satisfaction and religious merit in exchange.
Degrees of Ordination
Ordinarily, ordination is separated into two levels. The novice monk is known as a samanera. In the Theravada tradition, a man might become a novice monk as the first step toward becoming a full-fledged monk or bhikkhu, or he can become a novice monk for a limited time to accumulate religious merit.
A man may, for example, take temporary monastic vows upon the loss of a loved one. It is also typical in several Theravada nations for a young boy to become a monk for a brief time as a “passage” into maturity.
Serving as a novice monk is said to help one’s parents gain merit and express thanks for their care. It also served as the principal source of education in several Southeast Asian communities.
Temporary ordinations are popular in the United States, particularly among Cambodian and Thai groups. Eight and nine-year-olds in Minneapolis can become temporary summer monks to study the fundamentals of their culture.
In Lynn, Massachusetts, a young man takes novice monastic vows to show his sincerity about his Buddhist heritage and Cambodian culture. High school guys in Long Beach and North Hollywood, California, can take ascetic promises for the late spring, live in the sanctuary, and gain from the tradition’s seniors.
After the novice stage, full ordination as a monk (bhikkhu) or nun (bhikkhuni) occurs. In the Theravada traditions of South Asia, the lineage of female monastics went out long ago, but it has been perpetuated in several Mahayana traditions of East Asia. Women’s ordination to monastic orders is still relatively popular in Taiwan, in particular.
Many women are ordained as nuns in the Pure Landform of Fo Guang Buddhism, for example. Final vows of lifetime ordination as a monk or nun will follow the first two phases for individuals interested in a monastic vocation. The Triple Platform Ordination, a complete ceremony, was done in the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, California.
Why Should You Become a Monk?
The primary motivation for people to become monks is to serve a higher power. It is to serve Buddha for Buddhist monks, and it is to serve God and the nation for Catholic monks. To do so, one must control one’s impulses and interests. This must be done in order to prevent being distracted by worldly attachments and affairs.
Monks will rather forego material riches in exchange for the opportunity to connect with their inner selves. It is tremendously freeing for a Monk to let go of things that are so vital to most people nowadays.
What Is the Role of the Monk?
Buddhist monks and nuns are required to serve in a number of capacities within the Buddhist community. A monk can condition the way the mind operates via meditation.
For starters, they uphold Buddhist philosophy and discipline.
Second, they serve as role models for the people. Monks likewise fill in as a wellspring of legitimacy for supporters. By donating presents and providing assistance to monks, these followers might acquire virtues.
Monks and nuns must live an ascetic life centered on the study of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and the upholding of high moral character in exchange.
Finally, Buddhist monks increase laypeople’s potential by promoting their spiritual growth and development.
Why Do Buddhist Monks Dress in Orange Robes and Shave Their Heads?
Buddhist monks wear orange robes and have hair that is practically skin tight. Why you might wonder? What do they both represent?
The monks’ saffron robes (for a more fitting term for the hue) trace back centuries. The color orange was chosen mostly because of the dye that was available at the time. The custom has stayed, and orange is now the preferred hue among Theravada Buddhists in Southeast Asia, as opposed to Tibetan monks’ maroon. The garments themselves are designed to represent separation from material possessions and simplicity.
How about the hair? Why has it been shaved? A monk’s hair is shaved to represent simplicity and detachment from consumerism. That’s all there is to it. How many times have you brushed your hair in front of the mirror? Or did you style it? Or expressed dissatisfaction with a terrible hair day? This is something that a bald head does not allow.
What Does It Take To Become A Monk?
Follow these steps to learn how to become a monk at home.
- Step 1: Research your faith.
- Step 2: Become a member of a temple
- Step 3: Seek for a mentor;
- Step 3: Seek for a mentor;
- Step 5: Gather sufficient funds for yourself.
- Step 6: Dispose of whatever you own.
- Step 7: Make a chastity pledge.
- Step 8: Finish your training.
- 9th Step: Take religious oaths
What Does It Take To Become A Buddhist Monk?
In this part, I will describe how to become a Buddhist monk.
Step 1: Educate Yourself About Buddhism
Make sure you grasp the foundations of Buddhism before embarking on the path of becoming a monk. You can go to your local library and read Buddhist books. Study all of Buddha’s core life concepts.
Step 2: Become a member of a Sangha
The next step is to join a Buddhist sangha and begin practicing Buddhism. You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to live in a Buddhist community here. You may hunt for Buddhist centers in your area either online or in person. To understand more about Buddhism, make sure you actively engage in the classes.
Step 3: Recruit a Mentor
It’s a very different experience to learn Buddhism from a mentor! It is the most vital and significant phase in the monk’s journey. All of Buddha’s teachings are taught by a mentor. This will assist you in comprehending what is required of you as a monk.
Step 4: Prepare For A Life As A Monk
You must meditate every day in order to become a Buddhist monk. You can start with 5 minutes at first. When you’ve become used to five minutes, increase to fifteen minutes. This will assist you in concentrating on your breathing.
Step 5: Gather Enough Cash to Support Yourself
We are well aware that Buddhist monks and nuns do not perform a regular job to sustain themselves. It implies that you must adhere to the Vinaya, or code of behavior. As a result, you must have enough money to endure two to three years on your own.
Step 6: Dispose Of Whatever You Own
Monks live a modest existence with only the bare necessities. This implies you must get rid of everything of your possessions, including cell phones, costly shoes, and apparel. During this time, you are not permitted to utilize these pricey products.
Step 7: Take a Vow Of Chastity
Sexual interactions are illegal for all monks and nuns. As a result, in order to become a monk, one must accept a chastity vow. But first, be sure you’re serious about joining our organization for the long run before moving on to the next step.
Step 8: Complete Your Education in a Monastery
You’ll begin your monastic training once you’ve decided to become a monk. Here, you’ll be evaluated to see if you’re a good fit for monkhood. Make sure you strictly adhere to your guru’s or teacher’s instructions. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be granted your new Buddhist name.
Step 9: Make Your Bodhisattva Oath
You will be invited to accept the Bodhisattva vows when you have completed your training. These vows emphasize virtuous actions and the pursuit of enlightenment.
If you’re interested in learning how to become a Tibetan monk, you may follow the same steps.
What Does It Take To Become A Catholic Monk?
A catholic monk is someone who devotes their life to religious service. I’ll go over how to become a Catholic monk in great detail here.
Step One: Go to the Monastery
Visiting a monastery is the first step in becoming a monk. The majority of monasteries are available to potential devotees on a daily basis. You will learn about the monks’ daily routine and what is required of them here.
Step 2: Acquire The Status Of A Novice
A novice is someone who has recently entered the monastery. You’ll learn everything there is to know about monkhood here. You’ll also learn whether or not your personality is suited to monastic life.
Step 3: Take On The Role Of A Postulate
You can become a postulate or intended monk after passing the novice hood. At this point, you will be given more responsibility at the monastery. This is a fantastic opportunity to impress the other monks.
Step 4: Make Temporary Vows
You will now be required to assume temporary vows until you get in the monastery. This means you’ve decided to devote your life to religious duty for the time being. Depending on the laws of the church, these vows will differ.
Step 5: Make a Last-Ditch Effort
Finally, you can become a Catholic monk in the monastery. You can now take a permanent monastic vow and enter the monastery environment.
Conclusion
The procedures outlined above provide the essential knowledge for anybody interested in learning how to become a monk. So, best of luck on your path to spiritual enlightenment and meditation.